Tenor saxophonist
Joel Frahm and pianist
Brad Mehldau have been good friends and musical associates since they were 15.
Frahm has in recent times been part of
Jane Monheit's band, while
Mehldau has become a major name in jazz. They have occasionally crossed paths through the years, and for both of them this duo recording was a special occasion. The music is loose and fairly free but also swinging and logical.
Frahm has an expressive tone on tenor and is equally strong on ballads (such as "Don't Explain") and medium-tempo pieces.
Mehldau, who functions as the entire rhythm section, alternates between being an accompanist, a soloist, and an equal part of the ensembles. Among the highlights of this adventurous, thoughtful, and subtle set are "Oleo," "East of the Sun," the
Ornette Coleman blues "Turnaround," and two different versions of "'Round Midnight." Recommended.